Pagan Altar

Pagan Altar is a foundational pillar of British doom metal, though their true recognition arrived decades after their formation. Founded in 1978 by the father-son duo of Terry and Alan Jones, they emerged during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) but stood apart from their speed-obsessed peers by embracing the slow, crushing tempos of Black Sabbath and the melodic sensibilities of 70s hard rock.

Their sound is defined by Alan Jones's exceptional lead guitar work, which incorporates intricate folk and classical motifs, and Terry Jones's unique vocal timbre. Despite recording a legendary demo in 1982, the band remained an underground secret until the late 90s and early 2000s when a resurgence in traditional doom brought their work to a global audience. They are critically revered for their ability to blend occult themes with genuine emotional pathos. Their influence is central to the 'epic doom' and 'traditional doom' subgenres, serving as a bridge between 70s proto-metal and modern doom revivalists.